The fragrance of a new life Vijay Tiwari

I feel like I have been reborn. After staring cancer in the face, and I am now committed to living a different life, a healthier life.

I was born in an affluent family of traditional perfume (Attar) makers in 1962. I joined the family business at early age, when the ‘paan masala’ and ‘gutkha’ industry had begun to boom. Back in the day, ingredients like sandalwood oil, cardamom, ‘attar’, ‘kewra’, ‘zafran’, ‘katha’ and so on were nominally priced. Now, apart from other raw materials, the ultimate flavour of ‘paan masala’ and ‘gutkha’ products, relies heavily on the perfumery compound. So as the ‘gutkha’ industry burgeoned, the prices of ingredients also started to surge. Manufacturers could not pass this increase in costs to the consumer, because most consumers would not be able to pay. Instead, they started to look for cheaper substitutes to natural ingredients. ‘Katha’ was soon replaced by Gambier, the original sandalwood oil, ‘attar’ and ‘kewra’ were replaced by aromatic chemicals. While these chemicals were cost effective and similar smelling to the originals, they were a threat to human health and life.

Regretfully, my work took me down this same path of experimentation, as I too searched for newer, cheaper, ‘gutkha’ and tobacco perfumery compounds for different brands. This process meant that I was now checking out available ‘gutkha’ brands, and chewing as many as 20 pouches per day, completely oblivious to the implications on my health.

In 2011, I was diagnosed with oral cancer. I was devastated, my family was in despair, and dreams of a long career in the family business crumbled. I was rushed to Tata Memorial Hospital (CDC) for surgery. This is where I was blessed with a new life. In 2012, after almost giving up hope, I restarted the family business as a perfumer. But this time would be different. I pledged not to involve myself in anything related to ‘gutkha’ or ‘paan masala’. I now work with Gauri Sugandh, a reputed brand in Kannauj.

For those people who consume ‘gutkha’ and tobacco products, I appeal to you to reconsider this very grave habit, that puts everything you love at risk. I was lucky to be given a second chance. Think about it. How can a ‘gutkha’ manufacturer sell you a pouch at Rs. 1 or Rs. 2 when a kilo of sandalwood oil, ‘attar’, ‘kewra’ or ‘zaffran’, costs lakhs? Be prudent about your health and your life. Your choices can make or break your life.